The Anteaters ran finally ran out of gas after roaring back to take the lead early in the second half and lose 73-54. Great effort by UCI. They were most definitely the class of the Big West this season. They played like a top 25 team but ran into an incredibly talented Oregon team.

O was just too big and athletic for them down the stretch. They had an awesome season.

I think they were the best Big West team I've seen since we joined the conference. In my opinion, they are a top 25 team.

I see your 2018-19 UCI and raise you with the early/mid 00 Pacific squads.

this MIGHT not have been the best timing for Russ Turner:

Calling King 'Queen'


His name was being mentioned for Cal and Washington State (filled by the USF coach, big loss for them), so the timing of this isn't great. Seems like it got more play than necessary. IMO, it wasn't homophobic, just kind of immature. i was reading an article that said 'Turner is already known as kind of a jerk....'.

I agree with your assessment, DrMike,...just an immature remark...not really funny and more stupid than anything else.

some articles had people calling for him to be fired (including Martina Navratilova, an ardent follower of Big West Basketball :wink: ). funny how these things get escalated in these days. probably doesn't help his cause if he was under consideration for the Cal job.

Sorry, but is the Martina reference a joke or true? I was an ardent fan of hers for years, but BW basketball and she lives in Miami? I Don’t get it. Born right handed, Did you know she taught herself to play left handed? And very well she played. Probably the best woman tennis player ever IMO.

her twitter :

'
Martina Navratilova
✔
@Martina

This guy should be gone...'

i sarcastically added the 'ardent follower of Big West basketball'

In case anyone is interested, Joe Mooney's brother, Matt, is a starting guard for Texas Tech, who will play Michigan State in the final four on Saturday. He had 17/5/2 in their win over #1 seed Gonzaga last weekend.

I've been following Texas Tech and somewhere I saw a picture of Joe in the stands of one of the tournament games wearing a Texas Tech shirt while cheering on the Red Raiders.

Yeah I saw that, too. It was down at the Honda Center. Wonder if Joe gave him some hints on any dead spots on the court?

UCI's Max Hazzard may transfer:

https://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketball/2019/4/2/18292574/max-hazzard-uc-irvine-anteaters-arizona-wildcats-college-basketball-transfer-jacob-walk-on-walt

That's interesting. He would be a solid addition to another mid-major team, or even a Pac-12 squad. Seems strange to want to transfer given that UCI will be the favorite again next year.

He better hurry it up. NCAA is going to do away with graduate transfers at its next meeting per NYT.

Joe Mooney's brother, Matt, led Texas Tech with 22 points in their win over Michigan State and TT will play Virginia for the National Championship on Monday. I'm sure Joe and his family was at the game.

Also, former Aggie commit, Kihie Clark, who recommitted to go to Virginia will be in the title game too. It would have been great if both Matt Mooney and Kihie Clark had become Aggies!